MUSIC DIRECTOR

Brian Law

The musical landscape of Christchurch has been expanded, heightened and developed to world class performance standards during the 15 years that Brian Law has been an important and influential leader here. That influence has been best demonstrated in the considerable achievements of the Christchurch City Choir, and also through his work with orchestras, operas, youth choirs, and the Christ Church Cathedral Choir (est.1881), where he was appointed Music Director in August 2004

Brian Law was born and educated in London. He emigrated to Canada in 1965 and was based in Ottawa, where he was music director of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, the Ottawa Choral Society, and founding director of the baroque ensemble, Thirteen Strings. He became conductor of Ottawa's St. Mattheworl's (Anglican) Church men's and boys' choir (1965-80), and brought the choir to a standard of excellence comparable to that of British collegiate and cathedral choirs.

International Festivals and tours, special performances, large outdoor events such as Opera at the Pryamids in Egypt (1998) and Opera in the Outback, guest conducting for symphony orchestras, opera and ballet, recordings and the continued nurturing of emerging talent take up much of his calendar. 

Brian Law has conducted all the regional orchestras, and has worked with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, both in the Mobil Song Quest and in seasons of The Nutcracker Suite, Petrouchka, and Giselle for the New Zealand Ballet in Auckland and Wellington. His outdoor performances include Opera by Candlelight and Classical Sparks in Christchurch, and Symphony under the Stars and Opera in the Park in Auckland, attended by more than 650,000 people each year and introducing classical music in a concert format easily enjoyed by family groups.

His New Zealand discography includes a recording with the late Noel Mangin of arias by Verdi, and three recordings with Dame Malvina Major. Two of these, a live recording in concert with the Auckland Philharmonia and Casta Diva with Dame Malvina and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, were winners of the Classical Disc Award for their years. Christmastime with Dame Malvina Major was recorded in Christchurch with the City Choir, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and local young choristers.